Spring Fling (Daydreaming about Sedona)

You know those mornings when you wake up thinking about something – a place, perhaps – and it stays put in your head all day? That’s how I’ve been all day – daydreaming about a weekend trip to Sedona.

Things have been busy here in Phoenix, with lots of family birthdays, cooking experiments and out-of-town roadtrips. And lately, a spell of lovely gray rain, some fog, wildflower sightings, and that perennial sign of spring in the Phoenix desert: Cactus League spring training baseball.

Around here, spring also means it’s prime roadtrip season in the southwest. The weather is mild, sunny, and wildflowers sprout from every curve.

This year, I’m hoping to spend some time exploring the red rocks of Sedona. The city is a mere two hours from Phoenix, but the shift in geography significant. Sedona is located at the northern edge of the Verde Valley in central Arizona, nestled along the gorge of beautiful Oak Creek Canyon.

Why Sedona? Well, it’s been at least a year since we passed through town. But the real reason to visit Sedona is because the city is a perfect place to measure your troubles against the red cliffs and brilliant blue skies. In other words, like any great get-away destination, it’s a good place to let little troubles dwindle, if only for a handful of time.

In the spirit of spring daydreaming, here is my Sedona short list for an soon-to-be – fingers-crossed – weekend of sightseeing in the city of red earth, shimmering creek water, and ample good vibes.